Getting started

To begin using our API all you need to do is:

  • Create an account
  • Generate your API key
  • Start coding

Create a live account

To use our API you will need an IG account. If you don't already have one you can apply for one here.

Generate your API key

The API key identifies your application and authorises its use. At the moment we are limiting the number of API keys to one per account.

To create your live API key:

  • Log into our web-based platform using your live account details
  • Go to My Account > Settings > API Keys
  • Enter your key name and click GENERATE NEW KEY

Create a demo account

We recommend that you open a demo account so you can test your application in a safe environment. You can open a demo account as follows:

  • Login to the web trading platform with your live account
  • Use the account switcher on the top left of the page to create a demo account

Generate your demo API key

  • Log into our web-based platform using your live account details
  • Use the account switcher to switch to demo
  • Go to My Account > Settings > API Keys
  • Enter your key name and click GENERATE NEW KEY
  • Choose your demo environment login credentials

Start coding

You can now begin coding using any programming language that supports HTTP. Get started by referring to our guides on the left, or by trying out your demo account on one of our sample applications. We suggest to use the API companion and the Streaming companion to explore the API.

N.B:
  • Date and time values are ISO 8601 formatted and in UTC time zone unless otherwise stated.

Some restrictions apply

  • Direct market access is not currently available for our APIs
  • Shares trading is available but without share price information
  • Each API key is subject to standard usage quotas.

Subscribe to updates

  • News and updates about the API will be posted via Twitter on @IGLabs #webapi
  • To query a list of recent API changes please use the release hashtag: @IGLabs #webapi #release

Key information documents

Use these Key Information Documents (KIDs) to better understand the nature, risks and costs of our leveraged trading products, as well as your potential gains and losses when using them.

6.5 Test